“They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead – Jesus.” (1 Thess 1:9-10) These verses are very instructive. Notice God is called “the living and true God,” while Jesus is called “his Son,” “whom he” (God) “raised from the dead.” Jesus was dead, God was alive, but had the power to bring him back to life.

“God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess 2:14) Both God and Jesus are mentioned separately.

“Who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ.” (1 Thess 3:2) God and Jesus are mentioned separately again here.

“Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.” (1 Thess 3:11) Once again, both are mentioned separately.

“In the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes.” (1 Thess 3:13) Same point as above. Notice God is referred to as Father, something Jesus is never referred to in the New Testament.

“Live in order to please God… and urge you in the Lord Jesus.” (1 Thess 4:1) Both God and Jesus are mentioned here again.

“We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” (1 Thess 4:14) God is obviously in control and is distinct from Jesus.

“God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thess 5:9) Again God is in control and uses Christ to accomplish his purpose.

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thess 5:23) God and Jesus are separate and distinct.

As we can see from 1 Thessalonians, God and Jesus are two separate and distinct persons.

All Bible verses from 1 Thessalonians quoted from the New International Version (NIV)